Preventive Dentistry in Spring Valley

Dr. Michael G. Hollingshead and his staff don’t want to see you when you have a dental problem. Instead, we’d rather see you for preventive dentistry, so we can help you avoid dental problems in the first place. Unlike a medical practice that is mostly designed to treat illness and injury after they’ve occurred, dentistry is practiced with the goal of helping patients prevent dental disease.

Dental Checkups and Cleanings

With prevention in mind and in keeping with the recommendation of the American Dental Association, Dr. Hollingshead recommends a dental cleaning and exam every six months. These visits to the preventive dentist Las Vegas trusts aren’t only an opportunity for us to brighten your smile with a thorough teeth cleaning. We also use these appointments to carefully examine your entire oral cavity for signs of trouble.

Have a Healthy Mouth with Help from the Las Vegas Preventive Dentist

One of the most common oral problems a dental checkup can detect early is tooth decay. Even with regular brushing and flossing, as well as our professional cleanings, the bacteria that live in your mouth are always busy feeding on sugars and producing the acids that cause decay. With time, this decay can result in a hole in your tooth’s enamel.

Fluoride Treatment

Is there any way to prevent this decay from happening? Yes, there are two treatments that can be very effective in helping patients of all ages avoid the development of a cavity. The first is a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens your teeth’s enamel surface. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but even enamel can use a bit of help when it comes to fighting the acids that cause a cavity. We can apply a fluoride treatment at one of your dental checkups. With this fluoride boost, your teeth will better be able to withstand the daily onslaught decay-causing bacteria.

Dental Sealants

Another effective preventive treatment is dental sealants. Although these are normally reserved for children, they can also be helpful to some adult patients who are more susceptible to decay. A dental sealant actually creates a physical barrier between the chewing surface of a tooth and bacteria. What begins as a clear plastic liquid turns to a solid with the help of a special curing light. Dental sealants are usually applied to your molars, which have deep grooves and fissures that are the perfect hiding place for bacteria. Dr. Hollingshead and his staff will carefully monitor your sealants to ensure their integrity for years.

Schedule Your Preventive Checkup Today

We want to help you and your family enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. If the time has come for you to have a dental checkup, then call our office today. Contact Dr. Hollingshead, your Las Vegas preventive dentist. Our state-of-the-art dental office in Las Vegas, NV is privilege to serve families from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Summerlin, Spanish Trail, Spring Valley, Paradise, and beyond.